Langara College LIBR 1295: An Introduction to Archives Course outline (May 2014) Having completed this course, the student will be able to:

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1 Langara College LIBR 1295: An Introduction to Archives Course outline (May 2014) I. Logistics and personnel II. Scope of course This course is designed to introduce the major aspects of archives and allied fields such as conservation and information storage. Students will learn through 13 online sessions and the completion of several assignments. There will be a final examination. III. General learning outcomes Having completed this course, the student will be able to: 1. Understand the place of archives in the context of the information professions. 2. Understand the essential relationship between archival practices and records management 3. Identify the major components of archival arrangement and description 4. Develop archival inventories in different kinds of 5. Understand, develop, and revise archival policies and procedures 6. Identify and work with different kinds of archival filing systems 7. Understand the basics of electronic archives management 8. Understand and develop vital records policies and procedures in different kinds of 9. Understand photographic conservation techniques 10. Understand media migration: from paper to microfilm and digital formats 11. Understand business continuity planning for archives IV. Learning outcomes and critical elements 1. Understand the place of archives in the context of the information professions Understand the basic history of archives and the development of the archival profession 1

2 Understand similarities and differences between archives management and other information professions; identify the major shared tools Understand the archival perspective on information control 2. Understand the essential relationship between records management and archival practices Understand the different roles and responsibilities of archivists in various Understand archivists perspectives on document processing, conservation and storage Identify potential conflicts between librarians, records managers, and archivists in areas of mutual concern 3. Develop archival inventories in different kinds of Understand the ways in which archives are disseminated (or scattered) throughout Understand onsite storage practices Understand the best ways to collect and archival inventory data Understand the need for regular updates of archival inventories 5. Understand, develop and revise archival policies and procedures Understand and justify the appraisal of various kinds of archives Understand legislation governing archives Understand finding aid compilation and updating 6. Identify and work with different kinds of filing systems Identify the major kinds of archival filing systems in different Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of different filing systems Understand the ways in which filing practices have changed with the implementation of IT Understand the basics of setting up an archival filing system in a small office Understand different archival classification systems 7. Understand the basics of electronic archives management Be familiar with the history and development of electronic archives Understand the advantages and risks involved in electronic archives Understand and anticipate potential problems in converting to electronic formats 8. Understand and develop vital records policies and procedures in different kinds of Understand the differences between vital and non-vital records 2

3 Understand the key points in vital records policies Understand the relation between vital records and archives Understand the role of archives in business resumption and continuity 9. Understand photographic conservation techniques Recognize different kinds of media deterioration and their causes Implement emergency preservation and conservation techniques Plan and implement preservation and conservation programs in archives Plan different kinds of storage programs for photographic records 10. Understand media migration: from paper to microfilm and digital formats Understand the characteristics of microfilm and digital formats Understand the reasons for migrating to different media Justify migration costs and facilitate budgeting and purchasing Assist in the management of migration projects Understand the role of the information manager in different 11. Understand business continuity planning archives Understand the need for access to vital records and information following business disruptions Understand the roles of archives in a business continuity plan Understand the process of business recovery in archives V. Assignments and assessment Students will be assessed on the basis of: Participation (10%) Term paper (25%) 2 memos (20%) Archival equipment portfolio (20%) Final examination (25%) Students must submit all assignments and sit the quiz and final examination to receive credit for LIBR The Library Technician Grading Scheme will apply to LIBR 1295, as follows: 3

4 A+ = % A = 91-95% A-= 88-90% B+=84-87% B=80-83% B-=77-79% C+=71-76% C=65-70% C-=60-64% D=50-59% F=Below 50% VI. Participation Participation in this course includes: Regular contributions to online discussions Notification of the instructor in the event of late submissions, etc. Respect for assignment deadlines Consultation with the instructor regarding any questions, need for clarification, etc. Contribution to group tasks VII. Session Topics (Tentative) 1. Defining archives 2. National archives 3. Manuscripts 4. Appraisal 5. Arrangement and description, Part One 6. Arrangement and description, Part Two 7. Conservation, 8. Storage 9. Photographic archives 10. Reference and research services 4

5 11. Outreach, public relations, and exhibits 12. Archives, museums, and galleries 13. The Future of Archives VIII. Textbooks There is no textbook for LIBR Students will receive readings for each session. 5